Pakistan’s other crisis
PAKISTAN’S macroeconomic crisis, the most serious in its history, continues to warrant urgent and sustained attention. As is well known, the roots of this crisis lie in chronic fiscal deficits…
Migration crisis
MIGRATION has been in the media and policy spotlight lately. Several international migration-related developments have refocused attention on migration and asylum issues. Recently, the small Italian town of Lampedusa received…
Adverse maternal health outcomes
MATERNAL health vulnerabilities, particularly in low-income countries, are a great cause of concern. UN agencies estimate that globally a woman dies every two minutes due to complications during pregnancy or…
Mental health peril
PAKISTANIS are rightfully upset at US President Joe Biden’s categorisation of their country as “one of the most dangerous nations in the world”. Perhaps our ire would be less if…
Water crisis
FOR the past few weeks, Karachi residents have been experiencing extraordinary disruptions in their water supply. A power breakdown led to the closure of operations at the Dhabeji pumping station,…
Climate change and health
THE devastating floods in Pakistan are a manifestation of climate change. Whatever development gains had been made over the decades in the flood-affected districts were washed away within a few days. Pakistan will…
Examination crisis
WE inherited our school examination system from the colonial rulers. After independence, universities were responsible for conducting school examinations in the country. Under the Sharif Commission 1959, the government of…
Climate and health
IN the aftermath of the floods, hundreds of thousands of displaced people are living in makeshift camps next to stagnant water. Outbreaks of diarrhoeal diseases, skin infections, respiratory tract infections,…
Antimicrobial crisis
THE Covid-19 pandemic has not only exposed health system challenges but also accentuated other public health crises in countries like Pakistan. With the virus spreading to areas of the world…
Mental health helplines
MENTAL health helplines dedicated to support women and children against violence or advocate for reproductive health have been operating in the country for many years. Helplines gained renewed traction after…
